For the time being, life here has started to settle down.
Of course, there are various missions to accomplish here, but having fun is also important.
So, it’s Tuesday night, which means it’s time for our regular ritual.
The Athletic holds a weekly basketball night organized by Jeremy Dunn. At some point, I started making sure to bring my basketball shoes whenever I visit. If you go there, you can meet all sorts of people and pick up various bits of information. This is the very reason it’s called The Athletic Community.
They promptly told me about a night criterium the following day, so I stopped by on my way home from work.
Even though it was the middle of the weekday, cyclists gathered one after another at Mount Tabor park, which is relatively accessible from the city, after finishing work in the evening. Although it’s called a night criterium, it’s still completely bright out thanks to the long summer days.
There is a women’s category, and they are all genuinely fast.
Like the Hirata Criterium in the Tokai region, it’s a race where you can easily challenge yourself with same-day registration, but since the course is a mix of climbs and descents, it has a slightly different feel. I was impressed by how everyone coexists in the park—people walking their dogs, people jogging, and people shouting encouragement while holding a beer.
Just then, a familiar jersey zoomed past me.
Ira Ryan of BreadWinner was also racing. What a surprise to run into him in a place like this. Looking closely, he was on his cyclocross bike. Amidst all the carbon racers, he was skillfully holding his own in the pack on a steel frame he’s used to. For him, #crossiscoming already.
He headed straight to the race venue from his workshop after work. He mentioned that after the race, he’d be riding the hour-long trip home. He is the man who truly embodies #workhardridehome.
In the higher categories, I also spotted Team Wooly Mammoth, led by Jeremy. Seeing so many riders in their distinctive, unforgettable team kits racing together was a spectacular sight, and above all, it made them easy to spot, which in turn made them easy to photograph.
Despite playing basketball the night before, Jeremy finished the race strongly. Meanwhile, I could barely manage my commute due to muscle soreness. In any case, I intend to take on both work and play with everything I’ve got, refusing to lose to these guys who so firmly weave play into their daily lives. After all, I make my living through bicycles—the most practical and greatest toys of all!